Thanks!
Allen
New Beginner!
I have just joined the site. I've never played the guitar before nor do I have any musical background and I am a lefty! Does this site have videos that help lefthanded guitarists?
Thanks!
Allen
Thanks!
Allen
# 1
of course.
a chord is a chord. a scale is a scale. left or right handed makes no difference. sometimes you might have to make adjustments when
the instructor says right or left hand, but thats it.
a chord is a chord. a scale is a scale. left or right handed makes no difference. sometimes you might have to make adjustments when
the instructor says right or left hand, but thats it.
another 80s metal fan.
# 2
It's true, everything is the same, only reversed to you. I assume you are playing left handed and intend to continue that.
I am not left handed, but I think it makes sense for you to adapt to right handed presentations (video, other players, etc), since that is what 90% of guitarists are and mostly all you will ever see.
There is some software out there that will reverse video images. Or you could use a mirror :D
That being said, I have seen it often recommended for lefties to learn to play right handed if you can. The premise being that if you are just starting, one way should be as easy (or hard) as the other. You actually put the complicated chording and fingering on your "smart hand" giving a theoretical advantage. Also you increase your potential purchasing market by 90% and reduce costs. It can cost more for left handed set ups, adn they might need to be special ordered.
I am not left handed, but I think it makes sense for you to adapt to right handed presentations (video, other players, etc), since that is what 90% of guitarists are and mostly all you will ever see.
There is some software out there that will reverse video images. Or you could use a mirror :D
That being said, I have seen it often recommended for lefties to learn to play right handed if you can. The premise being that if you are just starting, one way should be as easy (or hard) as the other. You actually put the complicated chording and fingering on your "smart hand" giving a theoretical advantage. Also you increase your potential purchasing market by 90% and reduce costs. It can cost more for left handed set ups, adn they might need to be special ordered.
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
# 3
I just quickly google'd and found this -
http://www.guitarmx.com/blog/index.php/the-left-handed-guitarist/
As a quick sample it seems to back up Razbo's advice of trying right handed playing first to see if it's workable.
I didn't look any further but does anyone know why us right handed players do all the intricate work with our left hands?! :confused: It seems all the wrong way around!
http://www.guitarmx.com/blog/index.php/the-left-handed-guitarist/
As a quick sample it seems to back up Razbo's advice of trying right handed playing first to see if it's workable.
I didn't look any further but does anyone know why us right handed players do all the intricate work with our left hands?! :confused: It seems all the wrong way around!
[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]Youtube Channel - Jim47ww[/FONT]
# 4
Welcome to the site Allen. Whichever way you choose to play: take it slow and steady. You will learn. All the best.
Doug
Doug
# 5
Thanks guys. I talked to one of my friends who plays the guitar and he told me to restring the guitar backwards. So I've done that. Hopefully I'll start catching on a little bit!
# 6
Well that's only if you have a right handed guitar. They do make left handed guitars so you don't have to play "upside down".
# 7
Hi Allen,
Welcome to GT..
You may need to check and re-work your nut and bridge/saddle the part are generally cut to the string diameter causing noise and tuning problems
Gordon, aka compart1
Welcome to GT..
You may need to check and re-work your nut and bridge/saddle the part are generally cut to the string diameter causing noise and tuning problems
Gordon, aka compart1
# 8
Originally Posted by: compart1Hi Allen,
Welcome to GT..
You may need to check and re-work your nut and bridge/saddle the part are generally cut to the string diameter causing noise and tuning problems
Gordon, aka compart1
+1
just get you a guitar thats RIGHT for you. who wants to start off with a backwards setup?
another 80s metal fan.
# 9
Originally Posted by: compart1Hi Allen,
Welcome to GT..
You may need to check and re-work your nut and bridge/saddle the part are generally cut to the string diameter causing noise and tuning problems
Gordon, aka compart1
was going to say this myself, It would seem a simple solution to just restring upside down but in practice it just does not work that way. If you want to play lefty you will need a guitar set up for a lefty. If not as compact said the chances of getting that instrument tuned is slim, if you can even get the strings to hold on the bridge and nut. The bridge may not be an issue if you are using certain electrics but the nut will always be a problem.
God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son”
Abe says, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God say, “No.” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’ you better run”
Well Abe says, “Where do you want this killin’ done?”
God says, “Out on Highway 61”
Abe says, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God say, “No.” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’ you better run”
Well Abe says, “Where do you want this killin’ done?”
God says, “Out on Highway 61”
# 10
Hey Oetkena!
Another left handed player here! Like Doug says (and perhaps something I am still trying to learn!) take it slow and really work on the basics, you'll be surprised after only a short amount of time you will be playing stuff you and your friends can recognise!
Back to Guitar fundementals for me...
.. now where did I leave my metronome.... hhmmm
:confused:
Another left handed player here! Like Doug says (and perhaps something I am still trying to learn!) take it slow and really work on the basics, you'll be surprised after only a short amount of time you will be playing stuff you and your friends can recognise!
Back to Guitar fundementals for me...
.. now where did I leave my metronome.... hhmmm
:confused:
# 11
i'm left handed when i started playing i just borowed a friends guitar (right hand guitar) i didnt even know they made left hand guits back then. i've tried to go back and mess with a left hand guitar a couple times but it just feels alien to me. i would sugest one of 4 options
1. just learn to play right handed.
2. get someone who really knows what they are doing like a real guitar tech. not just a friend that plays guitar, to set up a right handed guitar to be a left hander
3. buy a real left hand guitar.
4. theres really only 3 options
1. cheapest and if you are a complete beginer this should not be that hard. if you think about it, the chording hand usualy does the most complex work.
2. a bit expensive but should work, but anytime you get a new guitar you have to get it reset up, and if you are ever jamming with others you wont be able to share instruments
3, if you are determined to go lefty this is what i'd recomend.
1. just learn to play right handed.
2. get someone who really knows what they are doing like a real guitar tech. not just a friend that plays guitar, to set up a right handed guitar to be a left hander
3. buy a real left hand guitar.
4. theres really only 3 options
1. cheapest and if you are a complete beginer this should not be that hard. if you think about it, the chording hand usualy does the most complex work.
2. a bit expensive but should work, but anytime you get a new guitar you have to get it reset up, and if you are ever jamming with others you wont be able to share instruments
3, if you are determined to go lefty this is what i'd recomend.
# 12
This is an on going question and concern. I have several close friends and musicians in my circle that are left handed, yet play right handed. I also have friends whom play left handed and that works for them. The unfortunate reality is that the guitar world is right-hand dominant; so to find a wide variety of left handed instruments takes some extra effort on the player's behalf. However, all guitar manufacturers make left handed instruments so you are good to go.
I honestly don't think there is a right or wrong way to approach it. Start with what feels natural (to the best of your ability), and take it from there. Honestly, the act of playing guitar is a little awkward to anyone; so both ways will feel equally strange in the beginning. Like Doug said, take it slow and have patience. Don't let anyone tell you what way is the right or wrong way; it is up to you!
Welcome to GT and best of luck on your journey. I believe almost all the lessons on Guitar Tricks are right handed but simply switch things around and you are all good my friend. Best of luck!
:D
I honestly don't think there is a right or wrong way to approach it. Start with what feels natural (to the best of your ability), and take it from there. Honestly, the act of playing guitar is a little awkward to anyone; so both ways will feel equally strange in the beginning. Like Doug said, take it slow and have patience. Don't let anyone tell you what way is the right or wrong way; it is up to you!
Welcome to GT and best of luck on your journey. I believe almost all the lessons on Guitar Tricks are right handed but simply switch things around and you are all good my friend. Best of luck!
:D
Douglas Showalter
# 13
